“We are no longer going to be allowed to have small refrigerators, microwaves, hot plates, printers and things like that,” the teacher wrote. “We haven’t had a raise in four years and this was one of the few perks we had and now they are taking that away because they say it’s costing them too much.”

KOAT took the complaint to Ellen Bernstein, president of the teacher’s union, who said she was contacted about the same thing.

Bernstein said teachers like to have the appliances in their classroom because it allows them to do more.

‘We stay in our classrooms to work during breaks,” Bernstein said. “We keep kids during lunch to work with them. It’s not a matter of teacher convenience; it’s a matter of teacher practice.”

An APS spokesperson said the policy is in effect because the appliances are a hazard. The spokesperson said facilities have had small electrical fires over the years. The spokesperson did not mention anything about cost.

District officials went on to say the policy isn’t new and the memo was simply a reminder. However, Bernstein said teachers are frustrated.